All posts by Alison Trovato

Kevin’s Favorite Find

January 31, 2024 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

Michel Ferrand Lounge Oval Dining Table in Sable on Oak

The Michel Ferrand Lounge Oval Dining Table is shown in Arlington Heights in Sable on oak. The light finish highlights the beauty and graining of the wood. With their custom sizing options and vast finish selection, Michel Ferrand products are able to fit any space and style.

My favorite feature of these tables is that you are able to have self-storing, center butterfly leaves. Now you can have an extension table without having to worry about where to store the leaves!

Contact Kevin, our Arlington Heights Showroom Manager, at kevinb@caidesigns.net or (847) 398-4785 x6760

Favorite Things

Marcy’s Favorite Find

January 24, 2024 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

The LEE Industries 7071-01SW Swivel Chair is a versatile, smaller chair with many great options (stationary, swivel and swivel glider). Upholstered, slipcovered or skirted, this chair has a smaller footprint and could work in small or larger space without forfeiting comfort and/or style.

This spectacular chair fits all heights comfortably, a client favorite! There are many sofa sizes available and can also be customized by width. Lee offers many fabric choices, including a wide variety of performance fabrics. Great quality, comfortable cushions, quick shipping times and a look that never goes out of style is always why it’s a favorite of mine to show.

Contact Marcy, our Arlington Heights Furniture Specialist, at marcye@caidesigns.net or (847) 398-4785 x6761

Employee Spotlight

MEET TRICIA | INDIANA FURNITURE & FABRIC SPECIALIST

January 3, 2024 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.
I have over 25 years of experience in the design industry. I grew up helping my father who was an architect in Columbus, Indiana for several years when I was younger. I knew right away what I wanted to study in college. I worked for a designer for sixteen years right after finishing college at Ball State University. I have also worked in retail design, and have had my own design business.

Where were you raised?
Columbus, Indiana

Where do you draw inspiration from?
ELLE Decor, museums, art, and furniture galleries.

What is your most rewarding project and why?
The most impressive project was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was in charge of designing a home that I could add my own flair and touch. The client was open and only asked for a blend of New Orleans color and style. It turned out to be a unique and bold project that was different from most.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Some of my favorite product lines are Verellen, Interlude Home, John Richards Collection, Century, Taracea, Palecek, and Made Goods. The design and elegance of these lines are unique and have many beautiful finishes and fabrics. They also have the pieces that blend with the organic modern, boho and transitional styles that I like to work with.

What is your favorite color?
Dark green, black, or camel.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
I enjoy time hanging out with family and with my cat and three dogs. I am known to travel all over the country to visit friends. I also like to vacation in the Carolina’s.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
When the Biltmore Estate was finished being built and friends and family were able to stay in 1895. The house and grounds are spectacular and to be able to stay and live the way they did would be a dream of mine.

How would you characterize your design style?
Different eclectic styles from boho to organic modern to transitional glam.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.” – Maya Angelou

What is your favorite food?
Enchiladas

What is your favorite TV series?
Law & Order

Tricia can be reached in the Carmel showroom at triciaa@caidesigns.net or by phone at (317) 740-0025 x8302.

Employee Spotlight

MEET MARK | INDIANA SHOWROOM MANAGER

January 3, 2024 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.
Started in retail merchandising / store display then joined an interior design firm. Eventually became partner in a partner in the firm for over 30 years

Where were you raised?
In the Midwest on a farm in Indiana.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Nature provides so much – color, balance, space, light – every day is a new inspiration.

What is your most rewarding project and why?
Working on a Waterfront Design Project in Florida where clients allowed involvement from the beginning with the Architect, choosing all interior finishes, furniture, art and accessories. The trust of the clients and the finished product were extraordinary and very rewarding

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
LEE Upholstery is always a go-to line due to its many designs that fulfill most design projects whether it is contemporary, traditional or transitional. Their furniture styles offer so many options that you can totally customize in both design and comfort.

What is your favorite color?
Green

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Reading spy novels & killer thrillers and attending live performances.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Ancient Rome – such an interesting time of early architecture and lifestyles.

How would you characterize your design style?
The best design style is one that is attuned to the client’s needs and lifestyle.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“No good deed goes unpunished”

What is your favorite food?
Pasta

What is your favorite TV series?
The Voice

Mark can be reached in the Carmel showroom at markc@caidesigns.net or by phone at (317) 740-0025 x8301.

Employee Spotlight

MEET AMY | DENVER LIGHTING SPECIALIST

October 23, 2023 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.
After 10 years in finance, I went back to design school and pivoted to design-build residential construction.

Where were you raised?
Denver, Colorado

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Connection: to people, their stories, their background and history

What is your most rewarding project and why?
Winning Parade of Homes’ Best in Design for a custom build.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Bomma Lighting, Foscarini, Hammerton and Hubbardton – I so appreciate the artistry to what they are creating in the field.

What is your favorite color?
Green – always growing

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
My husband and I love to travel; we cycle too.

How would you characterize your design style?
How would you characterize your design style? I am drawn to items that are handmade with traditional lines. I am in awe of the craftmanship of bench made furniture, the artistry of textiles and the endless creativity and engineering found in lighting.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Stay curious

What is your favorite food?
Mexican – and anything with guacamole

What is your favorite TV series?
Yellowstone

Amy can be reached in the Denver showroom at amyz@caidesigns.net or by phone at (303) 282-8100 x6976.

Employee Spotlight

MEET FARIN | DENVER FURNITURE SPECIALIST

October 20, 2023 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.
My degree is in Interior Design and I was previously at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and Porcelanosa.

Where were you raised?
Denver, Colorado

What is your most rewarding project and why?
Myself and a former colleague designed the family room for the Denver Life Magazine Designer Showhouse in 2019. It was very fulfilling to be involved with the process from start to finish and to collaborate with local designers in the industry.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
Thayer Coggin, Taracea, Verellen, and Old Biscayne are my initial favorites due to the look and custom options available. But as I dive into more products, I’m finding amazing pieces within each line.

What is your favorite color?
Earth tones

What is your favorite food?
Philly Cheese Steak

What is your favorite TV series?
Big Brother

Farin can be reached in the Denver showroom at farinf@caidesigns.net or by phone at (303) 282-8100 x6970.

Employee Spotlight

MEET CAROL | SCOTTSDALE SHOWROOM MANAGER

September 12, 2023 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.
Interior Design has always been a passion of mine, but coming from a small town, I was never exposed to the world of design like I was after moving to Phoenix. After a couple of career changes, I started my journey in design January of 2014 by attending Scottsdale Community College. I have worked in a design showroom, with an interior designer, and with a home builder. I found that working with designers in a trade showroom is the best of both worlds. I get to help design beautiful homes without having the stress of being a designer. I enjoy what I do and can’t see myself doing anything else!

Where were you raised?
Yuma, AZ.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Nature and art.

What is your most rewarding project and why?
Working on full houses. Something about putting it all together and seeing the joy of the client when they start to visualize their new home sparks so much joy for me.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
OBD because of all the custom capabilities. Interlude Home because of their aesthetic.

What is your favorite color?
Jewel tones and most shades of blue.

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Spend time with my family (husband and 3 boys).

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
The roaring 20’s!! I love the way they dressed. It would be fun to see how much simpler lives were back then.

How would you characterize your design style?
I would say elegant modern with a touch of earthy.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss, you will still be among the stars.

What is your favorite food?
Tacos! You can put anything in a taco and it will be delicious.

What is your favorite TV series?
I used to love watching Divine Design with Candice Olson but since she left HGTV, I now stick to watching any cooking show with Bobby Flay or Guy Feiri.

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m excited to bring my experience to the CAI team.

Carol can be reached in the Scottsdale showroom at carolw@caidesigns.net or by phone at (480) 565-3775 x7060.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Law | Troy Furniture Specialist

December 16, 2022 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

What is your past work experience/education?
I have a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from Michigan State University. I’ve had a variety of roles in luxury sales: Visual Merchandising, Project Management, and Interior Design positions.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Travel, architecture, and I like juxtaposing antique/ heirloom pieces with new and more transitional designed items.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
I love Hickory Chair/ Pearson and Palecek.

What is your favorite color?
Taupe and Emerald Green.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to travel, cook, and spend time with my family.

How would you characterize your design style?
Comfortable Luxury.

What is your favorite food?
Indian.

What is your favorite TV Series?
The Golden Girls.

Law can be reached in the Troy showroom at lawsj@caidesigns.net or by phone at (248) 822-1300 x8224.

Designer Spotlight

Deb Diver Interior Design

December 14, 2022 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

“Nothing finishes off a new construction home like gorgeous light fixtures and beautiful stylish art and accessories. Selecting the perfect light fixtures is key to the overall beauty of a home. Adding in the accessories and art completes the look bringing in colors, textures, patterns, shapes and interesting materials that give a home real style.”

Deb Diver Interior Design

debdiverinteriordesign.com

@debdiverinteriordesign

Featured Products:

Piano Room: Light fixtures by Visual Comfort

Family Room: Seating by Burton James, accessories by Regina Andrew, John-Richard and Arteriors

Kitchen: Chandelier by Robbert Abbey, table accessory by Regina Andrew

Designer Spotlight

Room Service Interior Design

December 14, 2022 Alison Trovato Leave a comment

“This custom home is contemporary, but warm and welcoming, unlike the icy cold vibe some contemporary spaces have. We used natural fibers and textures in the fabrics and finishes. Everything flows beautifully together in this open plan, yet each and every piece is special. The lanai is used daily for relaxing: tv, card games, casual meals, enjoying the sunset. Comfort plays a key role in this room.”

Room Service Interior Design

roomserviceinteriordesign.com

@roomserviceinteriordesign

Featured Products:

Lanai: All furniture by Bernhardt

Living Room: Chairs by Thayer Coggin

Office: Chairs by Precedent